COLUMBIA, Mo., April 19, 2013 — Scott Gardner, of Chillicothe, Mo., was named an Honorary State FFA Degree recipient at the 85th Missouri FFA Convention.

He has been involved in Shaping Rural Missouri. Shaping Rural Missouri is a program to help grant programs in local chapters. While in FFA he received star Greenhand and state farmer awards.

The Missouri FFA Association recognizes Honorary State FFA Degree recipients each year at its annual state convention for their valuable efforts and contributions to the FFA organization and its members. Those eligible to receive the Honorary FFA Degree include farmers, school superintendents, principals, members of the board of education, chapter advisors, teachers, staff members in agricultural education, business professionals and others who are helping to advance agricultural education and the FFA while rendering outstanding service.

The Missouri FFA has 25,062 members representing 331 chapters. The national organization has more than 550,000 members representing 7,489 local chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.